38 Weeks

We met with Dr. Gordman on November 22nd and nothing new to report. I was still at 1cm and 50% effaced.  He told me to continue walking and exercising.

We have our 39th week check up today and I am so anxious! I'm really hoping for some news that will indicate when Mila will be here. I just keep telling myself that no matter what she'll be here in at least 2 weeks! I can't believe it!

37 weeks!

I am officially "full-term"...YAY! I saw Dr. Hix yesterday, who, I love! He told me I was dilated to 1cm and 50% effaced...so that's progress from last week. Of course, still no indication on when she will be here. I'm going to assume no earlier than December 6th unless someone tells me otherwise...or she decides to show up!

Elvis bought his cigars yesterday! He cannot wait to hold her and pass them out! Let the waiting begin!

36 Weeks!

We met with Dr. Gorman on Monday, November 8th, 2010, and he told us that everything looks good, but he bets us a margarita in Cozumel that Mila won't be here before December 6th. I plan on taking him up on the offer and have been walking and doing squats every single day! HAHA!! He also told us that we should think about taking a trip to Cozumel in 9 months. I told Elvis "Doctor's orders!"

35 weeks!

We went to the doctor on November 1, 2010 and met with Dr. Hix. I had an iron test done, which is where they prick your finger...let me just say that it hurt like Hell! Seriously! He made a comment about my smooth belly! Yep, no stretch marks on this little lady! HA HA! Then, he checked to see how Mila was doing. He said that her head was done and my cervix was soft. So, that means the fun stuff is starting! We are counting down the days to meet our little girl!

Love, Sandy and Elvis

Panic!

I was alone this weekend and had that panic of “Oh my God…Am I going to be a good mom? Will I be an enabler? Will I be too hard? Will she hate me at some point?” I finally concluded that my answer to all of these questions is simple….YES! 
I think this is the only simple answer I could come up with to make me feel better. I figure I'm going to be great at somethings and not so great at other things. 
One thing is for sure...I will be the best mom that I can be. I will not feel guilty when I do things different from other moms. I will just try to do my best job!

34 weeks and a Model Pregnancy!

Yep, that's what Dr. Bailey said today at my 34th week check up! I cannot believe we are right there at the end! I honestly have to say that I have really enjoyed being pregnant. I'm going to miss it. Although, that does not mean that I'm going to be ready for another one right away.

We are finishing up all of the details for Mila. We've compiled a list of things we still need before she arrives and we are finishing up decorating her room and washing and hanging all of her clothes. It's so crazy, but so much fun!

I cannot wait to see her smiling face...I just have a feeling that she is going to be such a happy girl!

~Sandy

Baby Shower

My best friend, Ashley Deason-Palmero and Kari Cantrell, threw me a baby shower on October 16, 2010. It was so nice to have friends and family over to our new house. We received tons of great gifts that I can't wait to try out when Mila gets here. Hopefully,  I will be able to post pictures in the next few days.

Love, Sandy

32 weeks!

I had my 32 week check up yesterday with Dr. Gorman. So far, everything is looking good! I fell the other day comnig in from the garage and he explained how protected Mila is and that made me feel so much better! Elvis had his own doctor's appointment for his back, so he couldn't go with me. BOO! But, Ashley asked if she could go instead. She got to hear the heartbeat for the first time. It's still so amazing! My next appointment is in 2 weeks with Dr. Bailey...it will be my 34th week. We are getting so close, yet time seems to be standing still.

I finally met Mr. Acid Reflux. I don't like him and I hope he never returns! Sleeping is getting more & more difficult. I have ended up on the couch twice now. I feel awful leaving Elvis, but I just can't sleep. Between the bathroom breaks & the aching back, sleep is short coming. However, I truly believe it is a way for my body to prepare me for when Mila arrives.

We have all of our ideas and everything in motion for Mila's room. I cannot wait to have it finally done. Until then, I will try to stay patient and calm!

55 days to go...at the most...um, hopefully!


-Sandy

28 weeks

I had my 28 week update today. Dr. Bailey said everything was superb! That's always nice to hear. Unfortunately, Elvis missed this doctor appointment, but he didn't miss much. As usually, I got to hear the heart beat...a strong 155 beats per minute! I, however, told myself I would lay off of the Dr. Pepper. PopTarts are too tasty to give them up!

We have everything for the baby room and now we have to start putting it all together! We're so excited!

12 weeks = 84 days to go!

-Sandy & Elvis

It's Kickin' Time!

Mila is already on a schedule. She kicks around 9am, here and there during the day, 9pm, 2am, and 5am. Elvis talks to her every morning before he goes to work and she goes crazy! If he puts his hand on my belly or hears his voice, she goes wild! I can already tell she's going to be a daddy's girl!

Wedded Bliss!! (Part 2 in no particular order!)

 \The Dress!

This is one of my favorites pictures!

First Dance

My wonderful dad!

Cake cutting! A piece of cake went down my dress!

My handsome husband!

Another favorite!

The Rings

The shoes!

I love how he is checking me out.

Bridal Party!

This was the first moment we saw each other!

My girls!

Married!!!

And finally, wore out!!! 

Major Movement!

I have learned that if I lay on right side long enough, Mila will start to move. I am at the point where I can tell that it is actually her moving and not just bubbles. So, last night while we were watching a movie, I felt her move. I grabbed Elvis' hand and placed it on my belly. After a few minutes, she started moving like crazy. Elvis started laughing and asked "What was that?!!" I said "That's Mila!" He said "What is she doing?" Of course, I said "She's dancing!" His face was beaming!!! Every time she moved, he would start laughing! It was a very special moment for all three of us!

It's a Girl!

So, we went to the doctor on Monday (June 19th, 2010) & found out we're having a girl! We have decided to name her Mila Page Ricke. During the ultrasound, I swear I saw Elvis' pouting lips. I really hope she has his lips. The doctor said she is healthy and weighs about 11oz.  We are 1/2 way through and our due date is December 6th. We know it will be here fast, so we're already starting to prepare. We've bought a few clothes & are going to start working on her room. 

We had a surprise "Gender Revealing Party" for Elvis' family. We watched the DVD (Which I could watch over & over), ate pizza, and then they had to bite into a cupcake for the revealing. Misty yelled out "It's a girl!!" It was really cute! I think they really enjoyed it.

Last night I felt a little movement. I cannot wait for Elvis to feel her move for the first time. I think he is going to be so amazed. He's already calling her by name when he talks to by belly. We cannot wait to meet Mila. She'll be here before we know it. Love, Sandy

Flutters

On June 30th (I believe...) I was sitting at my desk at about 9:15am and felt a little "flutter!" My heart started to pound so fast. I didn't want to move because I didn't want the flutters to stop. I believe it was Baby Ricke telling me he/she was hungry!! I have felt a few "bubbles" and "flutters" since then, but not too much. I cannot wait to know for sure that I felt the baby move. Oh, it was so amazing! I called to call Elvis right away. I know he is anxious to feel the baby move too! We have our first ultrasound on July 19th and we can hardly wait to know to he/she is healthy and the gender.

Our New Home

Elvis and I purchased our first home as newlyweds! We absolutely love it and cannot wait to have it all put together and have people over for a BBQ. I should have pictures up in the next few days, but in the mean time, here is a picture of my favorite part of the house...the kitchen. Now, I need to learn how to use it. LOL!

Baby? Oh Baby!

Now that the wedding is over, we can officially announce that we are having a baby!! He/she will be here around December 5th, 2010. We both are so excited!!

On May 24th, we were able to hear the heart beat for the first time. One word describes the feeling...surreal!

Elvis is the most excited dad-to-be I have ever seen. He talks to the baby every day even though the baby can't hear him yet. He doesn't care. I'm very lucky to have a guy like Elvis in my life!

I'm not always the best at blogger and to be honest, no one reads this, but I will try to blog more often about Baby Ricke.

Wedding Bliss! (part 1)

Elvis and I had the perfect wedding ceremony and reception on May 29th, 2010. Our friends and family joined us to celebrate one of the most important days of our lives. Check out www.rachelblackwellphotography.com/blog to see pictures of our special day!

Wedding Registry

Well, we are finally finished registering. It wasn't as bad as I had heard from other couples. Elvis and I did pretty well together. I guess that's a good sign for what's to come! We are registered at Target, Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma, Bed Bath & Beyond and Sears. I know...there's a lot, but we wanted to make sure people had choices and to be honest, I just couldn't narrow it down, so we just did all 5 places! HAHA! Check out our wedding website at www.mywedding.com/elvisandsandy Love ya!

Favors

I've never really understood wedding favors. However, now that I'm planning my wedding, I wonder if people will ask "Where are the favors?" I don't think I've ever thought about it at weddings I have attend. I don't think I ever took any of the favors or threw them away shortly after I left the reception. With that said, Elvis and I have decided that in lieu of wedding favors, we have decided to donate to the Lowell Animal Shelter. We are planning on having little bags of treats for dogs and cats for guests to take home to their animals. We're hoping it will be creative and different. I hope people take a moment to think about all the animals without homes when they decide to add an additional to their family.

Is Spring here?

It was so beautiful today! Elvis and I spent the day working in the yard. We are taking out old flower beds and putting in new. We are planning on making a few more changes around the house including extending the steps on our deck and indoor decorating. It's finally nice outside, so we are full of motivation! Of course, now, we are both so tired that we can barely stay awake.

Bridesmaid dresses

Finally done! After many dress and color changes, I finally picked a dress. I found it at David's Bridal - F13921 in the color truffle. It's going to look great on all 4 bridesmaids...including one that will be 6 months pregnant. I cannot wait to see them all in their dresses.

Reception Ideas.

Our reception is at Aloft Hotel in Rogers, Arkansas. If you're not familiar, you definitely need to check it out. It is very urban chic. One reason I'm so excited about the place is that it does not require a lot of decorating. With help from my matron of honor and best friend, Ashley, I was able to knock out all the decorating ideas last night! Small bold flower arrangements, lemon & lime centerpieces, candles, and that's about it. It seems so simple, but like I said before, you don't have to do much at Aloft. Now, to meet with my "florist" Hadley and give her all of my ideas.

Change of Venue

The wedding location has been changed to our hometown, Rogers. The wedding will be May 29, 2010 at 6pm at the Chapel on the Creeks and the reception will follow at Aloft hotel. We are so excited! It will be here before we know it. Now, the planning begins. Luckily, for me, I don't have much time to make decisions, so therefore, I can't change my mind 100 billion times like I usually do.

143 Days

Our wedding is in 143 days. Fortunately, I don't have a lot to do since it's a destination wedding, but unfortunately I stress over the few things I do have to do. I know it will be here before we know it.